Can Immigrants Vote in the UK?

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Can Immigrants Vote in UK Elections?

It depends on your nationality and immigration status. In the UK, voting rights are not granted automatically to everyone living in the country — including immigrants. Instead, voting eligibility is based on your citizenship and the type of election taking place (local, general, devolved or European).

Some immigrants can vote in certain elections, while others can’t vote at all — even if they’ve lived in the UK for many years.


Who Can Vote in UK Elections?

Here’s a breakdown of who can vote and in which elections:

Nationality / Status

General Election

Local / Devolved Elections

British citizens

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Irish citizens

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Commonwealth citizens with leave to remain

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

EU citizens (in England/N. Ireland)

❌ No

✅ Yes (local only)

EU citizens (in Scotland/Wales)

❌ No

✅ Yes (including devolved)

Non-EU foreign nationals (e.g. from USA, China, etc.)

❌ No

❌ No




What Elections Are We Talking About?

  • General Elections – Elect MPs to Westminster (UK Parliament)

  • Local Elections – Elect local councillors, mayors, and police commissioners

  • Devolved Elections – For the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and Northern Ireland Assembly

  • Mayoral Elections – Like the Mayor of London or metro mayors

  • Referendums – Voting eligibility varies based on the vote



Can EU Citizens Vote in the UK?

Since Brexit, EU citizens can no longer vote in UK general elections. However, they can still vote in local elections — as long as they are legally resident in the UK.

In Scotland and Wales, EU citizens can also vote in devolved parliamentary elections. England and Northern Ireland allow them to vote in local elections only.


What About Commonwealth Citizens?

If you're from a Commonwealth country (like India, Nigeria, Canada, Australia, or Pakistan) and you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or leave to remain, you can vote in all UK elections — including general elections.

However, you must be legally resident in the UK.


Can Refugees and Asylum Seekers Vote?

  • Refugees with settled status or leave to remain may be able to vote depending on their nationality.

  • Asylum seekers with pending applications cannot vote in any UK elections.



What If You’ve Lived in the UK for Years?

Time spent in the UK does not automatically give you the right to vote. To vote in general elections, you must be:

  • A British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen

  • Legally resident in the UK

  • Aged 18 or over

  • Registered to vote

Permanent residency or indefinite leave does not give voting rights unless you're a citizen of a qualifying country.


How to Register to Vote

If you're eligible, you must register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

It takes about 5 minutes, and you’ll need your:

  • Name

  • Address

  • Date of birth

  • National Insurance number

You must register at least 12 working days before an election to vote.


Final Thought

Yes, some immigrants can vote in the UK — but not all. Your right to vote depends on your nationality, residency status, and the type of election. British, Irish, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens with settled status can vote in general and local elections. EU citizens can vote in local elections but not general ones (with slightly more rights in Scotland and Wales). Other foreign nationals, unfortunately, can’t vote at all — even if they’ve lived in the UK for years.